Spring and summer fashion collections frequently mark a return to seaside styles, and the Yves Saint Laurent Cruise 2012 updates classic nautical cues in a chic yet bold way. Stripes, anchors and shiny buttons all appeared in the runway collection in a palette of black, white, red, blue and yellow.

A few pieces modernized the formal dress uniforms of Navy soldiers, turning double-breasted coats into sensual belted minidresses. My favorite look is the black pantsuit in the fourth image; the anchor detail at the hip is exactly the understated splash of panache I'd rock if I were the type to cavort around on a yacht somewhere in the Caribbean.